Labor Day Crispy Hot Honey Cauliflower Nuggets
A perfect Labor Day treat! These crispy, golden cauliflower nuggets tossed in a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze are the ultimate healthy comfort food.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Small pot
Ingredients
Cauliflower
- 1 head cauliflower (approx 1.5 lbs) cut into 2" florets
- 2 tsp kosher salt divided
Breadcrumbs & Batter
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup neutral oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour 120g
- 1 cup soy milk or whole milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter or plant-based butter
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- flaky sea salt for finishing
Instructions
- Prep the cauliflower: Toss florets with 1½ tsp salt in a large bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture and season from the inside.
- Toast the panko: Toss panko with oil in a bowl, then spread evenly on an unlined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 4–6 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
- Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, soy milk, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and remaining ½ tsp salt until smooth. One or two at a time, dip florets into batter, shake off excess, then roll in toasted panko, pressing gently to coat. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Cook at 400°F for 25–35 minutes, until tender inside and crispy outside.
- Make the sauce: In a small pot over medium heat, combine honey, butter, cayenne, garlic powder, and paprika. Add a pinch of kosher salt. Stir until butter melts and sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Serve: Transfer nuggets to a platter, drizzle with hot honey sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 427
- Total Carbs: 45g
- Net Carbs: 40g
- Fats: 18g
- Protein: 8g
